A tribute blog to my beloved Aqa Moula (TUS). A humble offering of a 'guldasta' of my 50 articles, which I intend to offer as Hadiyah in Shukr. Also some fond memories associated with my life over 50 eventful years.

MOULANA SAATH SAATH

Memories with my Moula over 50 glorious years. The smiling young one between bewe Moulas has witnessed the glorious and eventful 50 years. At the Shabab outing managed to evoke smile on Moula's radiant face, with a silly Chinese skit. At the Star Sporting Club outing got a walk the talk opportunity. Treasured memories.

“During his long and illustrious life, he championed the cause of education and healthcare, besides giving an unstinting support for environmental conservation and protection. In his departure we have lost a living symbol of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence,”

In his departure, we have lost a living symbol of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Dawoodi Bohra community. I pray to the Almighty to grant them strength and fortitude to bear their loss,”

The health concerns of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) during Ayya'mul Ta'budaat, stirred the passions of mumineen, world wide. The immense love and reverence found an expression, in mumineen, young and old alike, from all walks of life, undertaking long walks, from their towns and cities to distant maza'r mubaraks.

In countries like USA and even in parts of India, they walked from markaz to Masjid, in other cities from devri mubaak to Masjid.

The 98th Milad mubarak will be remembered in the annals of Fatemi History, for this unique outpouring of love and affection.

The walks undertaken, are all well documented. I need not go into details. DB Net, Malumaat, Planet Bohra, ZenInfosys etc: have covered them with photographs.

My blog is primarily for reflection - taffakur.

The question is - what have they achieved ?

By walking for a very noble and spiritual cause - shifa e kulli of Aqa Moula (TUS), they have in so doing, attached themselves - 'lahik thavu' with the pious actions of our Imams (SA), Doat and Awaliya kirams.

Imam Hasan (SA) did 25 Haj on foot, walking through the desert from Medinah to Mecca, accompanied by a large retinue.

Each year we hear, how Ziad dinil Aswad came in the hazrat of Imam Jafar us Sadik (SA) to do kadambosi, all tattered and bruised, and seeing him tears, swelled in the eyes of Imam (SA) and he uttered the famous kalema'at - ' haliddin o illal hoob'

Syedi Kazikhan bin Ali (Sidhpur) had walked all the way on foot from Rampura to Ahmedabad. He took the journey walking behind the bullock cart, that was carrying Dai ul Mutlaq !!

Miaji Tajsaheb (Umreth) each year on the day of Ghadir e Khum, use to walk it from Umreth to Ahmedabad in the hazrat of Dai ul Mutlaq, to give misaq !

Our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) had climbed the arduous mountain terrains on foot, in many of his ziyarat trips to Yemen

In recent memory the young Yemini girl who ran all the way, down the mountain, behind the car of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) panting and breathless. When ushered in the presence of Aqa Moula (TUS) just to say ' inni wallaho ohibboka ya Moulaya' which went on to become the most iconic statement, through out the mumineen world.

I was fortunate to meet this Yemini girl,and heard her sonorous recital of Marsiya and Madeh in the durbar of Syedna Hatim Mohiyuddin Saheb (RA)

Mubarakbadi to all those, who out of pure love and affection for our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) under took long walks to mazar mubarak, spread far and wide.

In continuation of my earlier blog entitled ' Isha'raats in my Moula's kalaam and salaam' and primarily upon receiving the baraka'ts emanating from 'ahyah of Laylatul Qdr - the deedar sharaf (live video relay) and the spiritual blessings from the tilawat of Munjat Sharifa ' Adooka Adooka Zalzala'li' - 1431 H I am making a honest attempt to conceptualize and understand the 'isha'raat' and hidden haqaiq, alluded to in the Abya't Sharifa 17

With the beginning of Al- Multaqa in 1399 H and the historic restoration of JAMIA UL ANWAR the onset of the 15th Century Hijra has witnessed unprecedented rise in the 'community consciousness' and understanding of mumineen. It is unfolding in quantum leaps of creative emergence. Just look back a few decades and one will surely realize, what a transformation it has been.

In this BURHANI DAUR a glorious epoch in the resplendent Fatemi history, the brilliance of understanding the 'isha'raats' and comprehending the haqaiq - the hidden truths has permeated to all 'holons' of the community. There has been an exponential growth.

I have used the term 'holon' as it is most appropriate and if readers have read my earlier blog
http://mindmints.blogspot.com/2010/06/brief-history-of-everything-ken-wilber.html
the meaning and significance of what I want convey will be better understood.

It is for this reason I presume that Aqa Moula (TUS) of late has been conveying hidayats in isha'raats. The community consciousness has risen to such heights of transcendence, that Aqa Moula (TUS) has to make 'isha'raats' and every one understands, gets infused and motivated.

A layman like me with limited knowledge and grasping power, also receives the baraka't of making an attempt to understand the hidden haqaiq and isha'raats. It is only because of my Moula's karam and ehsaan.

This hidayat of Muqqadas Taher Saifuddin Moula (RA) has flowered in full bloom, resplendent in all hues- it is spring time of community consciousness. Awareness and understanding permeating all the strata of mumineen society.

In the context of the above, let me share with you my 'taffakur' of Abya't Sharifa 15 and 16. As the subject of this blog is - isha'raats' I will not take recourse to explain in detail, as I am confident, that by merely making pointed references, the readers will understand and more important, they will be adding to the understanding by their own reflections and tafaakur.

So if you all start sharing your thoughts, this may well turn out to be a evolving blog - spiritual transcendence.

I have incorporated my taffakur of Abya't Sahrifa 15 and 16 in the image below. I am indebted to my young friend Bhai Murtaza Attari for giving his time and expertise, and helping me translate my concepts into computer graphic design.

Now on tilawat of the Abya't Sharifa 15 and 16 again and again I began to reflect.
In Abya't sharifa 15 Aqa Moula (TUS) emotes on two 'sujoods' the one by Rasulallah (SA) soft mud (water and mud) and the other by his grandson Imam Husain (SA) on the dry burning sands.

In Abya't Sharifa 16 the zikr of sujood by Nabi (SA) on Laylatul Qdr in water and the sujood of Imam Husain (SA) in blood on Ashura.

In Abya't sharifa 17 Aqa Moula (TUS) alludes to the hidden haqaiq, that both the sujood of Nabi (SA) in muddy water and that of Imam Husain (SA) in blood soaked burning sand, will for ever protect mumineen till day of Qayamat from enemies of Deen, at the same time both the 'sujoods' will for ever quench the thirst of the true seekers of Ilm and all those who are seeking emancipation from this earthly bondage.

If you study the image, what is the first thing that strikes you. The white circle represents an un impregnable fortress (hisne haseen) that keeps the mumineen protected from the region of tenbrosity - a region of darkness and gloom, a region of malefic ether causing disaster, harm and evil in human society. All evil thoughts and deeds, all that is negative and restraining to the ascent of human mind and soul, find refuge in this dark space of microscopic vibration.

The white space provides immunity and protection from the egocentric tendencies that tend to divide us and make us selfish and possessive. The sujood of Raulallah (SA) on Laylatul Qdr and the sujood of Imam Husain (SA) on the day of Ashura has manifested into a sheath (Armour) at the same time an all embracing, permeating, enfolding positive spiritual force, a field of subtle energy, offering protection and at the same time, energizing the mumineen 'nafs' to attain higher and subtler hierarchies.

On my reflecting on the sujood of Rasuallah (SA) in soft mud on the Night of Qdr.

Mud and water reminds of 'ibda' - creation. Surah Al-A'raf (Ayah 12 ending) ' and him (Adam) you created from clay'

So the sojood of Rasulallah (SA) on Laylatul Qdr signifies to me the creation of the protective sheath - the first evolving - and the sheath goes on to become an un impregnable fortress ( hisne haseen) with the sujood of Imam Husain (SA) on the burning sands of Karbala.

Which in effect means that now there is no fear of malefic forces, a mumin comes under the protective sheath.

My reflections on sujood of Rasulallah (SA) in water and sujood of Imam Husain (SA) in blood.

Life begins in water and blood is the life giver.

So the protective sheath began on the night of the Qdr and when Imam Husain (SA) was martyred in blood drenched sujood on the day of Ashura, the protective sheath became impregnable till the day of Qayamat.

In the explanatory note in Abya't Sharifa 17 Aqa Moula (TUS) says that Awaliya Kiram sahebs have ensued that only mumineen have been blessed to receive the ma'refat (know the significance and import) of both Laylatul Qdr and Ashura.

Eckhart Tolle : As long as the egoistic mind is running your life, you cannot truly be at ease; you cannot be at peace or fulfilled except for brief intervals when you obtain what you wanted, when a craving has just been fulfilled. Since ego is a derived sense of self, it needs to identify with external things.

The most common ego identifications have to do with possessions, social status, recognition etc:

None of this is YOU. Do your find this frightening ?

You will know it at the latest, when you feel death approaching. Death is the stripping away of all that is not you. The secret of life is to "die before you die"- and find that there is no death.

Interesting ! Has Eckhart read or come to understand the nasihat of Syedi Sadik ali saheb, and if you care to read his nashihat, it is a treasure trove of many such Spiritual truths in most endearing and easy to understand language. Just 2 examples in the context of the above.

Syedi Sadik ali saheb states so eloquently :

'gar maut ne samjo to', kunji (the key) chhe nazati ni

tehqiq yeh ma'din chhe ruhani haya'ti ni'

marvana agaari tu' eh bhai mari jaje

logo kahe jivto chhe, ehvu tu kari jage'

I am sure Echart Tolle has not come across the nashihat of Syedi Sadik ali saheb, but has been blessed with the Spiritual Truths. In his best selling book THE POWER OF NOW he is merely showing us how to go more deeply and to understand the truth contained in our DEEN.

If one is taking 'haqiqat' sabaks they will find it more interesting and enriching to read his book.

## The pain that you create now is always some form of nonacceptance, some form of unconscious resistance to what is.

OUR DEEN our all encompassing 'shariat' teaches us to accept and stop resisting in myriad of ways, so that we may overcome the primordial trait that resulted in our falling from grace, in the fist place.

OUR DEEN for this very reason to make us free of pain, teaches us kana'at - santosh and tawaakul - bharoso on Allah and our Moula (TUS).

## Power over others is weakness disguised as strength. TRUE POWER IS WITHIN AND IT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU NOW.

OUR DEEN : What other better living example than that of Imam Husain (SA) mocking at Shimr, laughing right on his face, as the layeen sits with 'butha khanzar' on his chest. Seemingly all powerful, but in truth utterly weak and vanquished.

It is this power within that made Imam Husain mock Shimr. Aqa Moula (TUS)referring from the most eloquent 'shadat'bayan of Syedi Abdulkader Hakimuddin Moula (RA) says

So each year we mumineen assemble together on the 'nida' of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) to mourn and remember the 'shadat' of Imam Husain (SA) and in so doing we reaffirm the POWER OF NOW - the knowledge that Forms are born to die, we are aware of the eternal underneath the forms. We know and affirm that 'nothing real can ever be threatened'.

Muharram 1432 H is just a few weeks away, and every one is eagerly awaiting to hear the nida of Dai e Husain to experience once again, the reaffirmation of the POWER OF NOW.

Eckhard Tolle goes on to state that, when this is your state of Being, how can you not succeed ? You have succeeded already. We mumineen know for sure, for our Moula has on several occasions, emphatically conveyed that we need not worry.

No doubt self help books, those written by truly awakened masters and spiritual savants, are precious, but in the end, the effectiveness of the teaching is relative to the reader, who reads such books, and applies his understanding.

There are various methods of acquiring knowledge, one such is known as Socratic Method, the other is Philosophical method, but all these are very painstaking and laborious processes of acquiring awakening, and everyone is not competent to graps and understand.

The sure shot method with little effort and maximum positive result is what the mystics call the attachment with purified and perfect individual. OUR MOULA.

'If there is a desire for union in your head, O Hafiz

You must become like clay in the craftsman's hand'

In truth OUR DEEN has made us mumineen that supple clay in the hands of the master craftsman - OUR MOULA.

THE POWER OF NOW has done wonders to my understanding the Spiritual Truths, but this much I want to convey to my young well read, educated friends that OUR DEEN is more deep, more refreshing, more rejuvenating. I have been trying to convey this message in my writings, how far I have succeeded I know not. I leave it upon my readers to make the judgment.

How I wish that in this 100th Milad Mubarak year, the great spiritual and literary works of our savants, awliya kiram sahebs, in this internet driven age, find a niche and become guiding posts for all those seekers of truth around the world.

Each day I see my posts, being assessed around the world, comprising of diverse cultural and ethnic population around the world, in countries like Morocco - Switzerland - China - Germany. The stats are a source of motivation and satisfaction.

The hand rickshaw has been an integral part of public transport in Kolkata - The City of Joy since late 19th Century. It finds a pride of place in the newly built Al - Masjid ul Burhani complex, lovingly decorated and lighted up and in front of Haveli Mubarak, so that Aqa Moula (TUS) when giving deedar mubarak can also see it.

It is most appropriate and symbolic, as the hand rickshaw was first introduced by Chinese traders, primarily to carry goods. The area famously known as CHINA TOWN where there were many tanneries, is in the vicinity of Topsia, where the new Maajid has been built.

With the passage of time, the British Rulers made the hand drawn rickshaws, as a means of cheap public transport, which was widely used particularly by ladies. My mother used to tell us, that they were treated regally by the rickshaw pullers, whenever, they ventured out. As they came out of the building, the rickshaw puller would stop everyone with a flourish of his hand,so that no gent crosses their path. Once they are comfortably seated, a pardah made of canvas, would be dropped, and with the brass bell tinkling merrily, they would be carried regally to their destination.

With the passage of time, however, many thought it is degrading, and inhuman. However, from the point of view of rickshaw pullers, who mostly hail from the neigh neighboring states of Bihar and Jharkand, it is their means of livelihood.

Prior to 1990, there were about 10,000 rickshaws providing livelihood to around 18,000 rickshaw pullers. In the year 1996 the State Government tried to lure the rickshaw pullers with the version of golden handshake, offering a princely Rs: 12,000/- for surrendering their rickshaw. surprise of surprise - not a single person accepted the amount - five times the cost of rickshaw.

'We work, we do not steal. This is no indignity to me. It is a decent way of earning a living' says Mohammad Israel, who has been pulling the rickshaw for past 40 years. Another hard working rickshaw puller feels contented that it has given him everything in life - a wife, two sons in his village.

As I was collecting the above facts, my mind wandered to the daily news reports of crores of financial scams perpetuated by our powerful politicians and bureaucrats. the lowly hand rickshaw - the symbol of hard and honest work is most deserving symbol of The City Of Joy, finding a pride of place just across the Haveli Mubarak.

I recall my self getting the sharaf of pulling Aqa Moula's rickshaw on several occasions, during his kayam shareef in the city. I hope some one does have those memorable pictures, if some one has it, I would be please, if the same is forwarded, so that I can post it on this blog.

During the recent years, the hand pulled rickshaws have dwindled in numbers, and only ply in the by lanes of the city. However, they prove indispensable, when during the rains, the streets get flooded, and cars, auto rickshaws and all other forms of modern transport, come to a halt. It is the lowly rickshaw that merrily trudges on, and their riders reach their destination, in style.

This tribute to the rickshaw and the hard working rickshaw pullers has been written by me during the kayam shareef of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) We mumineen of Kolkata fervently hope and pray that may our Moula (TUS) stay in our CITY OF JOY for a very long long time.

I had made a suggestion for a tram car ride, another one of its kind mode of transport, that is unique to our city. Given the time we now have, the water body facing the Haveli Mubarak can be dotted with artistic pandal structures, lighted up with the world renowned Chandernagore lighting, depicting our rich Fatemi Heritage.

AS WE AWAIT - SO DOES THE WORLWIDE MUMINEEN

It is morning of Thursday 10th Dec: 2009 and with the worldwide mumineen and specially those in our city, still waiting anxiously for the 'fasal mubarak' I walk into the new masjid complex. Last night I am told youngsters had worked real hard, and after much effort managed to cart the heavy carpets to the ladies 'tutak' from ground floor storage.

I was fortunate to meet and interact with ABDUL HAFIZ BHAI who had flown in last night. He is is the head marble artisan from Makrana (Rajasthan) His family has been in the khidmat of constructing Roza Mubaraks, Masjid Kiblas. Abdul Hafiz bhai had stayed at Hutaib Mubarak for nearly 9 months and the Kubba Mubaraka of Syedna Hatim bin Syedna Ibrahim saheb (AQ) and the turbat mubarak, was completed under his supervision.

He was also blessed to work on the marble flooring inside the Zarih Mubarak of Imam Husain (SA) and narrated that in the cracks, that had developed near the 'kabre mubarak' of Moulana Ali Akber (SA) and Moulana Aliasgar (SA) he had seen blood droplets.

He was all praise for the construction and grandeur of our Masjid and the idyllic a location near large water body and surrounding scenery. You will feel proud to know that the design motif of our Masjid Kibla is taken from the design motif on the Zarih Mubarak of Imam Husain (SA) and according to Abdul Hafiz bhai, no other Kibla has such design motif. A singular honor for our Masjid.

I was privileged to see memorable pictures of Abdul Hafiz bhai with Aqa Moula (TUS) and Shazada sahebs, one was of his 'dakheli' touching the turbat mubaraka of Imam Husain (SA)

I was honored to meet him.

I requested Abdul Hafiz bhai was a photo op and he was kind to oblige me. The picture being held by Abdul Hafiz bhai is that of Muqaddas Moula Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA) giving audience to Fateh Mohammad ( father of Abdul Hafiz bhai) who had supervised the construction of the Roza Mubaraka of Syedna Fakhruddin Saheed (AQ) and numerous other marble works.

I would be failing if I do not mention the sustained khidmat of Bhai Sahbbir Kothari. For past 2 years he has been a regular and works with gusto and enthusiasm.

As I conclude this post I have just received information that Insa Allah Aqa Moula (TUS) is likely to do 'fasal mubarak' tonight - Jumoa Night from Rozat Tahera.

Each year for the past three decades, come Eid e Gadir e khum, mumineen the world over, and in particular, we mumineen of Kolkata, wait with eager anticipation, for the fasal Mubarak of Ashara Mubaraka for that particular year.

For the past 30 years and more, we mumineen are more concerned with booking of Air/Rail tickets , at earliest opportunity, some even manage to book reservations for two or three cities or a different country, where they anticipate Ashara Mubaraka will be held, in that particular year. We in Kolkata have all these 30 long yers been busy speculating on which city or country will get the sharaf and barakat of Ashara Mubaraka.

However, this year it has to be different. Believe me friends, it is different. With the ongoing ohbat, the intensity of purpose, reflected in the daily hectic schedule of Janab Amil Saheb Yunusbhai Saheb (DS), who has single handedly, managed to enthuse the community, specially youngsters, the question I ask now is – how many of you are now thinking otherwise ?

Each day positive developments are being witnessed, the fence sitters are fast coming round into the mainstream. Each day, we witness new enthusiastic young faces, coming forward, to put their heart and mind, wealth and expertise to make the ‘moment’ happen. Bhai Qaid Mandasurwala of K K Jwellers, is a recent case in point.

A quote from my Face Book :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. In order to create those moments, we have to be focused and work hard. That is precisely what the mumineen of Kolkata are doing. Hope we are blessed with those moments, that will take away our breath, but give us a blissful eternal life.

Yes, in order to have this blessed ‘moment’, which will for ever enrich our lives, and that of our generations to come, we have to be focused, we all have to work hard. I salute the dedication of the core Masjid Tameer Committee, who have all these past 2 years overcome many obstacles.

This post has a meaningful purpose. I request my young friends to forward it to all those whom you know, so that more and more can be motivated. As I only have a few mail i/d's in my mailing list, forwarding this post will greatly help.

The numerical 40 has a great significance in our belief system. Click on the link provided by Mulla Husainbhai Kheriwala.

Friends 9th Zilkad – Tuesday 27th October , is the first day of the 40th DAY – 41stis Eid e Gadir e khum. So as you read this post, reflect on it intensely, close your eyes for a few moments, and think how you will make this ‘moment’ happen. How you will be contributing.

The best way is to be at the Masjid Tameer site often, spend some quality time there. Janab Amil Saheb and the core tameer committee members will be there, each day to guide you. Make self assessment of your actions, based on your niyat. On the 40th Day you will be surprised to find, how much you have achieved.

It is theorized that once a critical mass number (it is 40 I suppose according to our belief system ) is reached, the same behavior shows up in all other members of the same group/ species. It seems to be true , that once the critical mass is reached, all members begin to think and act in a certain way, so does all other members of that group.

The invisible connection between all members of a group/species is more verifiable now than it was a few years ago.

Scientists report that when atoms within a molecule align in a certain way and a critical mass number is reached, the rest of the atoms spontaneously, line up the same way. (Ref: Nick Herbert’s ‘ Quantum Reality’ F. Capra’s ‘ The Tao of Physics – Lewis Thomas’s ‘ The lives of Cells’ are a few books, that establish the connection between – the principles of physics and a ‘collective consciousness’

‘ek jan banvu’ as being repeatedly emphasized by Janab Amil Saheb

Fortunately I have been reflecting on this a lot, and now I can say with confidence, that magical critical mass, has been reached – I am a witness to it.

I was invited to attend the first meeting of Aya’n ul Jamaat at Badri Hall during Sehrullah, and since than what a tremendous progress has been made. It is all solely because of the doa mubarak and ‘nazarat e rahima’ of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS), the zeal and single minded dedication of Janab Amil Saheb, his family members and all the dedicated mumineen, who are confident that – yes they will sacrifice to achieve this blessed ‘moment’

I am indebted to and Bhai Khoj Badami – Pune for placing the widget showing that time, is fast ticking away, and now is the time for action and also the digital image photograph.
Friends, you are free to share your aspirations and actions on my blog. I know many are hesitant to write in, you may call me up and share your thoughts.

Friday, January 31, 2014

It was a most moving 'wada' scene on the hallowed precincts of Saifee Mahal on the morning of Jumoa 27th Zilkad 1433 H ( 12th Oct: 2012) on the occasion of Milad of Syedna Taher Saifuddin Moula (RA) when Aqa Moula (TUS) bid an emotional farewell to his A'li Qadr Mansoos - Ammerul Haj Moulaya Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (TUS)

As A'li Qadr Moula repeatedly prostrated himself in humility and shukr and as Aqa Moula (TUS) lovingly looked on, for that small gathering, who was there to witness the history in the making - it was simply heavenly and ethereal.

The poignant wada scene was narrated to me over phone by a relative, who said as Muffadal Moula slowly withdrew and those assembled conveyed Mubarakbadi, tears overwhelmed him and as he repeatedly looked back longingly at Aqa Moula (TUS). Every few steps he took forward, he turned around to look once more, to be blessed once more with Deedar of his Naas,which may be conveying to him a thousand things, which is beyond our comprehension.

It is beyond words to describe the emotional and spiritual bond between the most radiant Nass and his most glowing Mansoos.

During wada Aqa Moula (TUS) gave to A'li Qadr Mufaddal Moula (TUS) the hadiyah of 'asa.

Now this hadiyah of 'asa seems to be very unique and very significant. I am unable to fathom the true significance. None the less it made me reflect. Here in this post I share my reflections, with the hope that it may also make my readers reflect and share their insight, as an act of Hamd and Shukr.

For a layman and an infirm like me - an Arabi - 'asa is merely a walking stick, to give me support - a walking aid, so that I may be able to take firm steps. However, for a Spiritual savant, an 'asa is much much more. It harbors deep connotations and meanings, which we will not be able to fathom. In this post, I merely skim the surface with my reflections. People of knowledge may be able to dive deep and gather luminous pearls of hikmaah.

'Asa is the sunnah of Ambiyaa (AS)
It is an adornment of the pious people.
It is a weapon to vanquish the enemy.
It is also an aid for those who are weak and old.

Now my reflections. Within hours of receiving this hadiyah from beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) the latent power of the 'asa - its significance was witnessed in the bayan mubarak of A'li Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) in Dubai .

With conviction and force he threw the 'asa and it resonated in the most powerful words. Imam Husain (SA) ni zikr ghani mohti neamat chhe .... kitna gamo Husain ni zikr thi roke chhe ..... samaj chhe ke nahi eh logo ne ............... Those who have been fortunate to hear the bayan will surely come to understand. I will not go into the details.

Thus the Nass Aqa Moula (TUS) has truly empowered his A'li Qadar Mansoos (TUS) by his 'asa and in the days to come I fervently hope and pray that the presence of A'li Qadr Moula (TUS) in the most revered and blessed precincts of Madina Munawwara and Makkah Moazzama - a miracle will surely unfold. The present circumstances are very difficult. A particular creed and thought process has laid barren the fertile spiritual soil.

In the pious hands of A'li Qadr Moula Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) the 'asa will surely work a miracle. It may take years, but the seeds will surely be sown in this mubarak safar.

For many years now Aqa Moula (TUS) and each and every mumin is yearning and pining to witness their long cherished dream :

This story is a result of talking with a host of family and friends, not only in my city, but in many other cities and towns, over phone and on chats. There are facts deftly intertwined with imagination - I have tried to answer some of the questions being raised, the niyat is that it will provide my Readers with valuable insights and at the same time, the joy of reading.

Central characters -

My self - Asgar aged 50 years running own business and maintaining a study income and providing a decent standard of living to my family, and having a weakness for Tandoori Indian dishes.

Wife : Rabab aged 47 years. Home maker and an excellent cook .

Murtaza : Aged 23 years studying for his MBA and a lover of Fusion Foods.

Nooruddin : Aged 18 years in his final Year at School, has yet to decide on his future studies, has not given a thought , but of one thing he is sure, his love for Continental and Mediterranean food.

SO OURS IS A FAMILY WHERE FOOD PLAYS A CENTRAL PART IN OUR DAY TO DAY LIVING.

Tuwar pulao – palidoo – the favorite of my wife, and after toiling for the entire Sunday morning over the above 3 dishes, we as a family are very considerate to her, and do not expect her to make the elaborate Murgh Ki Raan where the making of galouti mixture for stuffing of Chicken, which requires the mixture to pass through the Mincer thrice is indeed a very tiring and time consuming process.
But my sons have made it clear that coming Sunday she has to make it or else they will be eating out – a notice which makes my poor wife shudder , to think of the costs of eating out.

I know the threat of eating out will work - come Sunday, and we will have Murgh ki Raan in our Thaal.

SO DEAR READERS THIS IS OUR FAMILY.

Now cut to Jumoa namaz two days back, where Janab Saheb appraised us of the salient points, the nitty gritty and most important the ‘barakats’ emanating for the individual, the family and the entire community at large from the ‘ FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH’

He explained to all of us the a’ala niyaat and the significance of it, the haqiqats behind it are many , he said, which we fail to comprehend.

It is best known to our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) and his Mansoos (TUS) who has started this very unique and far reaching initiative, first started in London. Aqa Moula (TUS) speedy recovery is miraculous and when Janab saheb said that come Muharram and Insa Allah we will be blessed to hear the shadaat of Imam Husain (SA) from the Imami Takht once again, these words brought tears in many an eyes, and I for one was convinced.

I made immediate enquiries at the Mawaid centre and came to know that on payment of Rs: 4,600/- per month our family of 4 will be delivered a basket of wholesome nutritious Bohri food, and on further enquiry was pleased to know that the khidmatguzars are putting in a lot of effort, and the niyat is that out of 100 baskets – 60 will be paid for and 40 will be free baskets. Great concept I thought.

But knowing my family and specially my two sons I found the task very daunting. Worry was writ all over me when I returned home from office, and my wife Rabab immediately noticed it, but was kind enough not to push the issue in the fore front. Saturday also she found me in a very sullen and brooding nature and I confided her the problem that was perplexing me. She had a few encouraging words for me as I left for office.

It was decided between us that after Sunday dinner we will bring this ‘basket’ subject before the children. I wanted to put my case very convincingly, and being a stickler for details, Saturday was spent on reflecting - Googling on the subject of sharing food. Many hours of searching resulted in one convincing article by Dr. Phil Birtie – the Role of Food in Empowering Communities ( Refer to my previous Blog post)

There is much to food than mere physical benefits of nutrition and health. A good point I felt. Encouraged by this lead I read more and more. I found out that sharing same food is a means of bridging the gaps between same members of the community, which has arisen because of different socio economic conditions.

The seeming disconnect between the affluent class and the marginalized class of the same community – we are brothers all - 'mara DEEN na farzando' so lovingly referred by Aqa Moula (TUS) - he is our Bawa Shafiq - he is doing the tadbeer for our 'ma'ad' - emancipation – than why so much disconnect. It pains to see people so unconcerned at the plight of their fellow mumineen etc: Such thoughts made me fully engrossed, so much so, that I found difficulty in sleeping.

Luckily for me as I was tossing and turning and try to understand the truths behind this unique ‘mohim’ and in order to find some solace and peace of mind, I took up to do tilawat of Munajaat sharifa 1432H

And started reading it, some thing told me an answer may be found here. As I read along I came upon the following Aby’at Sahrifa –

EUREKA !! HERE WAS THE ANSWER I WAS LOOKING FOR

As I turned the page the following Aby'at Sharifa made me more convinced.

A silent doa for my Aqa Moula (TUS) and his A'li Qdr Muffadal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) escapedmy lips and I went off to sleep.

Sunday morning I got up fresh and rejuvenated and braced up for the day with a light toast and tea breakfast. Rabab also busied herself in the kitchen, as we were going to have a sumptuous dinner of Pumpkin Risotto – Humus Bil Lahm – Kebab Joojeh the ingredients for which could not be had in ordinary market store, so after quick bath drove out to the far away Spenser Specialty food outlet.

On reaching there, the shop assistant told me that for pita breads I will have to wait for an hour, as fresh stock was being awaited. Under the circumstances I had no other alternative but to just chill out – so I headed straight to across the street Barista and ordered Hazelnut Mocha and Chocolate Chip Muffins.

One hour is a long, long time, and it was early morning, there were hardly any customers, and amidst tranquil surrounding I drifted back and started reflecting on the Abyaat Sharifas, which had provided so much solace last night.

Let me share my reflections - Dear Readers - if you find some erroneous thinking on my part, do correct me, I will be deeply indebted.

We mumineen are all DEEN na farzando of our beloved Bawa Shafiq – we are all ‘baland qadar’ in that sense – hope my Readers agree - than what does Aqa Moula imply by saying that ‘ qadar k’um chhe ehne baland karoo’

Spiritually we are all the same, but in certain section of the affluent society a wrong perception has taken deep roots based on purely materialistic outlook – the yardstick of success is wealth – you are counted and seen by the car – the house you own and the latest mobile and other gadgets you flaunt etc: Much can be written, but to make the point, just making broad references.

So is it not that by sharing same food – the social beneficial effects are many, the widening gap – the disconnect in bridged? What say you dear Readers. Is my reasoning faulty ? Please correct me then ?

The FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH is a most important initiative of leveling the ever widening chasm.
Agreed ? O K let me proceed.

Abyaat Sharifa 74 -

ALLAH ! Do help those who help their brethren with love and affection in overcoming the difficulties of day to day living and make good his brothers shortcomings.

Here Aqa Moula (TUS) is blessing those who come forward – those who are enjoying the best of material comforts and good life – to come forward and help those of their marginalized mumineen brothers. They have the world, they are self sufficient but they are still in need of mu’asaat (help) and this help only Moula and Moula alone can give as a boon.

For M’aad we will not need a Ferrari - a Hublot Euro BB but our Aqa Moula’s doa Mubarak – his doa Mubarak will infuse us with spirituality – humanity – love for our fellow mumineen brethren – it will make us walk the ‘siraat’ with joy and abundance resulting from sharing – in this case sharing the same food that my fellow mumin bhai in shukr is so happy to have with his family – it has eased him of financial burden also but the important underlining message is – WE ARE ALL ONE !!

So it is a Win Win situation for both the giver and the receiver.

As I was sipping my Hazelnut Mocha across the table I found a copy of Sunday Telegraph, 11th Sept: 2011 and having more time in hand, I took it up and glanced at the Front Page.

MY EUREKA MOMENT AGAIN !

I read with interest the headline story – ‘ Osama gone, hunger gnaws’ by K.P.Nayar
The ‘Food Stamp’ Programme cleverly renamed ‘ Supplement Nutrition Assistant Programme’ (SNAP) The growing number of Americans 46 million and ever growing - their plight – how they are being looked upon by other affluent Americans, made an interesting reading.

I immediately called for a Note Pad and Pen from the counter, and noted down excerpts, which you can read, and if you so desire, the entire News Report, by clicking on the below link.

I am confident that after reading it, specially American mumineen and all those in the Western countries, will see the immense benefits of FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH

How I wish some mumineen associated with the Press Organizations can file a report on the on going ohbat.

I received a call that my pitta breads have arrived, so I left Barista to collect it, at the same time feeling more confident to lay out the facts of the case more purposefully, after dinner, when I will be talking ‘basket’ with my grown up sons !!

Those who have been following the story closely may be feeling exited to know what happens after the Sunday sumptuous dinner. As for my self to be honest, although my wife Rabab had made excellent Kebab Joojeh and other items on the Thal, I could not enjoy as much as my son Murtaza and Noorudin, who were relishing every dish.

As a fond father, looking at them enjoying so much, I was feeling a little sad to broach the ‘thali’ subject, but was determined all the same, knowing my wife Rabab supported me whole heartedly.
It was crunch time – dinner was over, there was palpable tension building up inside me and suddenly there was POWER CUT.

It was in reality a blessing in disguise. It had rained steadily in the evening, so the weather was cool. I had replayed the scene many times in my mind earlier in the afternoon. My taking up the subject for discussion, finding Murtaza telling me – ‘ sorry Abba – we can discuss it later I have a project to complete ‘ the younger Noorudin as if on cue standing up and walking off to his room to watch TV. Multiple scenes played out in mind.

Those who are parents of growing up children can well empathize with my condition.
The POWER CUT proved to be a blessing – good food - cool breeze – family bonhomie on Sunday evening, motivated me to take up the ‘thali’ subject. I will not bother you up with all the details, some of which I have already written about – I found my sons in rapt attention – was a miracle working out.
Not a word.

Rabab encouraged by the silence response told us how she would love to share the same food with the family of Amina. Now Amina was her childhood friend, both went to school together in Lunavada, and from my wife I had heard many childhood stories of my wife always being in awe of her dear friend, who was smart, intelligent, helpful – once my wife started, she would go and on ……

However, two years back Aquilbhai who was a very successful businessman was struck with a paralytic stroke while at office, as a result of which his entire body was immobilized. In short the world of Amina and her son Hakim who was of same as my Noorudin and both were school buddies, went into a tailspin.

As Aquilbhai was running his supply business single handedly, as expected business suffered, creditors started knocking at their door, debtors started playing truant, medical Bills started piling. Aquilbhai died thereafter living behind a family who much against their wishes, started to become depended on ‘muvasaat’

Now dear Readers – the above circumstances are a fact, only other things are fictitious to protect the identity of the family. In my long years of ‘reaching out’ I have come face to face with so many such families.

Here I would I like to recall the resilience (khuddari) of one mumin bhai. I came to know of his plight after his wife was diagnosed with Cancer, and piling medical Bills and running about for treatment, completely drained out his financial capacity. He removed his son, who was very intelligent and smart from a good school were the fees were high.

I came to know about it and approached him to see if I could mobilize some funds for the schooling. In his own words – ‘ Asgarbhai shukran , but let me bear my own cross’ Tears swelled in my eyes, and I felt so humbled that there are such mumineen in this world. On that day frankly I felt proud to be born a mumin.

Was Aqa Moula (TUS) referring to such mumineen in his Munajaat Sahrifa 1432H – did he mean those who have been victims of circumstances -ke jehni kadar k’um chhe – ehne baland karoo.

I put forward this question to my sons, and I put forward it you my dear readers ?
Please do reflect, and you will surely find spiritual bliss, and understand the importance of this food sharing.

Our family can easily have Canneloni Milanaise Style ( an ideal party dish – Tarla Dalal) but no we will decide to have the same ‘thali’ food, for we know that there is some ‘hiqmat’ in the initiative started by Molayi A’li Qdr Muffadal Saifuddin saheb (TUS)

LUCKY ME - the lights had not come on, and my sons with rapt attention were listening. As a family we agreed that yes we will take the ‘thali’ and surprise of surprise, my son had more updated information than me.

He said he is following the development with interest and being an MBA student, he is seriously considering doing a project on it. He had worked out the costs based on per person consumption of 125 gms rice (Gobindo bhog is cheaper and more nutritious than costly Basmati – we are not doing a ‘shaadi khana’ was his argument) 3 rotis – 25 gms mutton /khima – dal 50 gms and sabji 100 gms )

He said to bring down the costs , mumina ladies from affluent families who have Ayahs and other support staff at home to care, can volunteer their services one day a week. Six groups for six days a week can be formed and their husbands can be entrusted with daily bazaar.

Now it was our time to listen with rapt attention to the sage and practical advice of both our sons who were gung-ho and pretty exited.

LUCKY ME !! THE POWER CAME ON ! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !

I stole an affectionate glance at Rabab and found her all smiles, and pink as peach. I thank ALLAH for having blessed me with such a wonderful family. END

DEAR READERS : I hope you enjoyed reading LUCKY ME but more important, many misconceptions and questions may have been removed. As for me I thoroughly enjoyed writing it, and being blessed to convey my thoughts and insights.

In the process I have used my imagination as well as facts, both have been deftly interlinked.
To conclude Rabab is my wife and as with ladies who love to hide their age I have made her younger by 11 years !!

Murtaza and Nooruddin are my two sons, but both of them died in their infancy. Had they lived both of them would have been strapping + 30 and apples of our eyes. In their premature deaths and sufferings I learnt a great lesson. There are no regrets, but fond remembrance. They taught me to live life in jest, and my writings, and my interaction with family and friends, is a living proof. I have two grown up children, and grand children.

A great life lesson I learnt from them was to empathize – to reach out to the suffering and the marginalized of the community, who are victims of circumstances, and not personal failures in life.
As Eckhart Tolle says in his best seller - A New Earth – these are the people who ACCEPT WHAT IS - they accept THE PRESENT MOMENT with fortitude. I feel it is for this particular section of the marginalized community for whom Aqa Moula (TUS) has referred so eloquently, in the Munazaat Sharifa, they must be in his thoughts, in his fervent ‘ilteza’ this Laylatul Qdr.

Dear Readers this story LUCKY ME I fondly dedicate to both my sons, who died in infancy. Any good that may come out from your reading, let it be their ‘sawab’ ALHAMDOLILLAH !

Thursday, January 23, 2014

In the reign of the FATEMIDE
CALIPHS the annalyst ‘Ayni says that the public library at Cairo contained over
two million works, of which over six thousand treated exclusively of mathematics and astronomy. The scientific spirit of Islam was at its zenith.

At Cairo in the reigns
of Imam Aziz billah & Imam (S.A.) and Hakim bi
- amrillah (S.A.)) there flourished one of the master spirits of the age IBN
YUNUS the inventor of pendulum and the
measurement of time by its oscillation. His great work named after his patron
and Imam-”ZIJ - UL - AKABAR - AL HAKIMI” soon displaced the work of Claudius
Ptolemy. IBN - YUNUS died in 1009 a.c.

The sons of Musa ibn Shakir
who flourished under Mamun and his two immediate successors, calculated the size
of the earth from the measurement of a degree on the shores of the red sea, this at a time when Christian
Europe was asserting the flatness of the globe.

ABUL HASAN invented a
telescope (died 873 a.c.)

AL - BATANI introducer of sine & cosine in
mathematics

BUYIDE AMEER - AZUD UD DOWLA ( Malik Fariskhusru)
built several hospitals and refuges for the orphans in Baghdad. He built
magnificent mausoleums over the kabre mubarak
of Moulana Ali (S.A.) & Imam Husain (S.A.)

HASAN IBN HAITHAM became
renowned for his work in optical
science. His book ‘Balance Of Wisdom’

The first observatory in
Europe was built by the Arabs. The GIRALLD over tower of Seville was erected
under the supervision of the great mathematician Jabir ibn Afiah in 1190 a.c.

ABU MUSA JABIR (the Geber of
Christian writers) is regarded as the father of modern chemistry. He was a
native of Tarus. Ibn Khallikan says - Jabir complied a work of two thousand
pages in which he inserted the problems of his master Imam Jafar as Sadik (S.A.)
which formed 500 treaties.

The oldest surviving Arabic
encyclopedia of medicine the FIRDAUS
AL HIKMA in some respects remains unsurpassed. Ali bin Rabban Al Tabari wrote
this work in the year 850 a.c. and was contemporary of Hunayn bin Ishaq.

Famous Arab Historians were Hamdani - Masudi (author of
such works as Mirat uz Zaman - the mirror of the times & Muruz uz
Zahab) Ibn ul - Athir (authored universal history al - Kamil)

Famous Arab Astronomers
whose observations concerning the equinoxes, the eclipses, the apparitions of
the comets and other celestial phenomena that added greatly to human knowledge
were to name but a few Bin ali - yahya bin Abi Mansur - Mohammad bin Musa
.

AL KINDI wrote two hundred works on various subjects -
arithmetic, geometry, philosophy, optics etc:

ABU MAASHAR (corruped by the
middle ages europeans into Albumazar) made celestial phenomena his special
study . Tables of Abu Maashar has remained always chief source of astronomical
knowledge.

ALBATANI (the Albategnius of medieval Europe) was another distinguishedastronomer. His Tables translated into Latin
furnished the ground work of astronomy inEurope for many centuries. The Banu Amajur were noted for their
calculation of the lunar movement.

ALKOHI under the patronage of the Buyides studied
the movements of the planets. His discoveries concerning the summer solstice
and the autumnal equinox were extremely
important.

HASSAN BIN HAISEM (Haithem)
commonly called in Europe Alhazen is famous for his discovery of atmospheric refraction.He was born in Spain
but resided in Egypt and flourished in the eleventh century.

IBN SINA (Avicenna) was
undoubtedly one of the greatest thinkers and physicians the world has produced.
ABU NASAR FARABI (Alfarabius) was called by the Arabs the second Aristotle.

During the month of Shere Ramazan, mumineen in greater number and in good
measure performs the tilawat-e- Quran-e Karim, on the irshada't of our ruhani
bawa -shafiq (TUS) as Quran -e- Hakeem is 'afzlo kulle shayin dun-Allah'.

Each ayat, nay
each word of Quran encompasses a wealth of knowledge and meaning, to use a
metaphor, each drop contains an ocean.

I came across a very interesting
historical aspect behind the ayat 38 of the sura-Al-Furqan, which I would
like to share with readers.

'and the tribe of A'ad and Thamood and the
inhabitants of Ar-Rass and the generations between them, we did give examples
and everyone(of them) we did destroy with utter extermination' 25:
38.

Here is the history of the inhabitants of Ar-Rass.

Rass was the name
of the stream in the locality of Azerbaijan on whose bank lay twelve
townships whose inhabitants were known as the people of Rass.

The name of
these townships were :
1.ABAN 2.AAZAR 3.DEE 4.BAHMAN 5.ISFANDAR 6.FARWADIN 7.URDI BAHISHT

8.KHUZDAD 9.MARDAD 10.TEER 11.MEHR AND 12.SHAHYOOR.

In
ISFANDAR which enjoyed a central position a pine tree was planted by Yaftah
bin Nuh, and it was called the king tree.From the seeds of this tree, one
tree each was planted in other towns.Every month these people gathered
together in one town and worshiped the tree.

Once in a year on the day of
Nauroze (new year) they gathered in ISFANDAR and worshipped the principal
tree, and offered sacrifices. In order to stop them from worshiping this
tree, Allah sent a prophet from the line of Yahyd (Javoha) bin Yaqoob who
tried to prevent them from this heretic worship, but they did not listen to
him, rejected him and revolted against him and decided to kill him.

So they
dug a well in the stream and throwing him in it, closed its mouth with stone,
as a result
of which, he died in extreme agony.

As a consequence to this
tyranny, divine retribution took turn and such a severe hot wind blew over
them ,that they were all burnt, and sulfuric lava erupted out from the
underground with which even their bones were melted and all the towns were
overturned.

THIS THEN IS THE STORY OF AR-RASS TRIBE WHO DISOBEYED THE PROPHET
OF
ALLAH.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Earlier we had seen how the
Doa of Nabi (S.A.) manifested in the nasl of Valid bin Akaba, that 18 Doat
Mutlaqeen in Yemen were his descendents, the first being the 5th Dai
Syedna Ali bin Mohammad Valid (A.Q.)

Syedna Ali bin Mohammad bin
Valid (A.Q.) by virtue of his piety, knowledge and tafadi was elevated to the
position of mazoon by Syedna Hatim bin Syedna Ibrahim Saheb (A.Q.) the 3rd
Dai and served the Dai and Dawat with diligence and fervor and was also
entrusted with imparting knowledge to Syedna Ali bin Syedna Hatim the
illustrious farzand of Syedna Hatim (A.Q.)

The ancestors of Syedna Ali
bin Mohammad Valid had been serving the dawat in Yemen and during the reign of
Imam Mustansir Billah (S.A.) Syedna Ali Bin Mohammad Sulehi who was Dai Balag
in Yemen, sent Moulai Ibrahim bin Abi Salma (who is the maternal grandfather of
Sy: Ali bin Mohammad bin Valid) as envoy with hadayah in Hazrat Alia Imamia.
During the course of his stay in Misr, Moulai Ibrahim fell gravely ill, and was
blessed with the Doa mubarak of Imam (S.A.) who sent him a kuza of 'shifa
water' partaking of which, resulted in full recovery. The ikhlas of Moulai
Ibrahim was such, (the ikhlas resulting from the Doa of Nabi (S.A.) on that
difficult day in Taif) that he took this kuza with him to Yemen and whenever,
need arose he used to give refilled water from the kuza to the mumineen in
Yemen, which cured them of their illness and brought relief. So much so, that
when the kuza was accidentally broken, he made a vasiyat, that the broken
pieces should be put in his kabr.

The ikhlas, tafadi and khuzu
of Syedna Ali bin Mohammad Valid is a shining example in the annals of Fatemi Dawat,
which had moved Syedna Hatim bin Sy: Ibrahim to exclaim that the ikhlas and
khuzu of Syedna Ali bin Mohammad has surpassed that of the farishtas who were
commanded by Allah to offer sujud to Adam (S.A.)

Syedna Hatim (A.Q.) had
indicated his desire to elevate Syedna Ali bin Mohammad, his Mazoon to the
august position of Dai ul Mutlaq after him. When Syedna Ali bin Mohammad came
to know of Dai's intentions, he presented himself before the Dai, and with
folded hands made arz that he has been receiving lutf and karam of Syedna
Hatim, who has elevated him to the position of Mazoon and has also entrusted
him, with imparting knowledge to his worthy son, who has equaled him in knowledge
in all aspects. Moula but he is endowed with one more blessing, and that is he
is like unto you, your very flesh and blood, your very own son. So with deep
convictions and in all humility I request you to elevate him to the august
position of Dai ul Mutlaq, and I will continue to serve him as I have been
serving you Moula.

This ikhlas and tafadi
resulting from deep knowledge of the Fatemi ulums, greatly moved Syedna
Hatim (A.Q.) and here we can safely
extrapolate that tears of joy and Shukr may have swelled in the Dai's eyes, and
his mind may have traveled back in time to the burning sands of karbala, and to
the night of Ashura where the Ahle bait and ashabs of Imam Husain (S.A.) had
gathered in his khaimagha. Vivid memories of the Ahle bait and Ashabs led by
Abbas Alambardar (S.A.) offering their tafadi and firm resolve to be with their
Moula and not to forsake him but to offer their lives in his khidmat, on being
told by the Imam (S.A.) to leave him alone to face the yezidi forces, may have
lighted up luminous face of Syedna Hatim with spiritual radiance.

Thus Syedna Ali bin Syedna
Hatim (A.Q.) became the 4th Dai and Syedna Ali bin Syedna Mohammad
bin Valid continued to serve him, till the time he himself was elevated to the
august position as the 5th Dai ul Mutlaq. After him followed 17
Doats from the nasl of Valid bin Akaba, the last of them being the 30th
Dai ul Mutlaq Syedna Ali bin Moulai Hasan (A.Q.)

Yemen had been the shining
outpost of Fatemi Dawah for more than four centuries.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Upon returning from the successful mission of lifting
the siege in Ta’if Nabi (SA) waited over ten nights at Al-Ji’ranah, in the hope
that Hawazin’s delegation (those defeated in Hunain) might arrive and announce
their repentance and consequently reclaim their loss.

Seeing that none of them arrived, Nabi (SA) in order
to calm down the tribal chiefs and the nobles of Makkah, started to distribute
the booty, and the ones who obtained the greatest number of shares, were the
people who had recently embraced Islam.

Abu Sufyan bin Harb was given a hundred camels and
forty (gold) ounces and yet he said : “ What about my son, Yazeed’s share? So
he was given the same quantity for his son as well. But yet he exclaimed : “
And what about the share of Mu’awiyah, my second son ?

So Nabi (SA) gave
Mu’awiyah as much as he gave his father and brother.

Likewise, Hakim bin Hizam was given a hundred camels ,
but was given a hundred more when he demanded. Safwan bin Umaiyah was given
three hundred camels – a hundred camels at each time. (Ash – Shifa (1/86)

The generosity of Nabi (SA) to the chiefs of Makkah
and the newly converts, resulted in a stampede by the Bedouins, so much so,
that Nabi (SA) was forced to take refuse against a tree, and they even took
away his mantle.

Rehmatul lil A’lameen Nabi (SA) addressed the
tumultuous people saying: “O people ! Give me back my mantle. For I swear by
the One in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s soul, that if had as many numerous camels as the number of
Tihamah trees, I would have distributed them among you… “ Standing by his
camel he said : “ O people, I swear by
Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also
goes back to you”

After he had distributed the booty among the new
converts, he distributed the remaining among the Muslims, and the Ansaars
(Helpers – people of Medinah) were disgruntled and not satisfied, with what
little they received compared to the booty received by the new converts.

Hunain represented hard times and they were the first
to rush and to fight and stand firm with Nabi (SA) when the fighting was
intense, whereas new converts like Abu Sufyan and Hakim bin Hizam, who escaped
from the battlefield, when the tide turned against the Muslims, received large
booty.

When resentment grew among the Helpers and ill
statements spread, Nabi (SA) summoned Sa’d bin Ubadah and told him to gather
all the Ansaars, and gave a very passionate speech, saying that although the
Ansaars are not telling him directly, he can read their minds – saying ‘You (Muhammad S.A.) came to us belied and
rejected, and we accepted you ; you came to us helpless and we helped you
; you were a fugitive, and we took you
in; you were poor and we comforted you’

‘You Helpers, do you feel anxious for the things of
this world. Wherewith I have sought to incline these people unto the Faith in which you are already established ?

Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the
people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah
(SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Helpers, their children
and their children’s children !

The audience wept till tears rolled down their beards
as they said: “Yes we are satisfied, O Prophet of Allah ! with our lot and
share”

ANWA’R

As I read the Akhbaar of the distribution of booty at
Ji’rannah which had happened in the year 8 AH and that Abu Sufyan bin Harb,
from whose loins came Muawiyah and Yezid bin Muawiyah, was given a large share
of the booty, a question arose in my mind.

Nabi (SA) who had been blessed with the I’lm of ‘ma
kana sayakoon’ at the time of Me’raj ( the ascension) the event which occurred
at Mecca before the Hijrah, was aware, of all the events that will transpire in
the future.

In Vaaz we hear frequently of Jibraeel showing Nabi
(SA) two ‘haveli mubaraks’ and on being asked, Jibraeel narrates the tragic incidents that
will happen, one in Medinah and the other, on the burning sands of Karbala. Nabi
(SA) knew, who were the perpetrators of the gruesome crime.

The question than is – why oh ! why! when Nabi (SA)
knew that Sufyan bin Harb and his family were the perpetrators of crime against
Nabi (SA) progeny, did he give out large booty to them, at the cost of earning
resentment of the Ansaars, who had fought with valor and risked their very
lives in the hard won battle of Hunain ??

I have found this question very perplexing. If any of
you readers have an answer, I will be indebted to know.

On reflection during Sehrullah 1432 H I have tried to
understand the historical paradox, in my own humble way, and sharing the same
with my readers. Please do correct me, if you feel I have erred in my reflection of this Akhbar.

The Anwa’r I see in this Akhbaar is that Nabi (SA) was
the epitome and a living example of ‘salama’ which in the primary sense means –
to be tranquil, at rest, to be at perfect peace, to be in absolute submission
to the Will of Allah. The last mentioned
is the most important, Nabi (SA) was always living in THE NOW - THE PRESENT MOMENT. Nabi (SA) was here to enable the Divine
Purpose of the Universe to unfold.

He epitomized the greatest power of the Universe – non
resistance and complete submission to TOTALITY - Will Of Allah – saying YES to the PRESENT
MOMENT – honoring the PRESENT MOMENT. ( For this thought process, I am indebted to the teaching of Eckhart
Tolle)

Even after knowing the future, Nabi (SA) was submitting
to THE WILL OF ALLAH, accepting and doing his duty in perfect peace.

It was the
WILL of ALLAH working through his Nabi (SA) in the NOW – The Present Moment,
and Nabi (SA) was fully focused in discharging his obligations, in full compliance
with THE WILL OF ALLAH – submitting in humility with grace, knowing ALLAH KNOWS
BEST.

A most difficult task for ordinary mortals, knowing if
at all, the future and still accepting
the paradox of the Present.

Now coming to the resentment of the Ansaars, there is
so much Anwa’r in the Akhbaar, if one cares to reflect.

Nabi (SA) knows the minds of his followers fully. He
well understands and sympathizes fully with the sacrifices made by the Ansaar,
and the unequal distribution of the booty. But here again he is simply acting
on the Will of Allah.

Nabi (SA) does not desire anything from himself. He
articulates forcefully – mark his words :

“ O people, I
swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very
fifth also goes back to you”

However he fully understand human nature, and his sole
mission is to make those who really love him, to unshackle themselves from
gross materialism, to become farishta shifat in this world, and how true and
meaningful are his words :

‘Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the
people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah
(SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Helpers, their children
and their children’s children !

There is a great lesson for us to be learnt
from this Akhbar. Many a times in our worldly journey, we are assailed with
doubts, as to the happenings around us. When we see around us people, who do
not deserve, who show merely outward profession of faith, their actions do not reflect their speech, getting rewarded
with worldly goods, when we stand at such cross road in life, utterly confused
and perplexed, we should be of firm faith and ask ourselves the question.

Do I want the world or my MOULA ?

Be honest with your self – what you want in
this life. Moula knows what is best for you, so accept in humility, be at peace
with your self. This is ‘salama’ – Islam.

There are many best selling books in the
market, showing you ways and means to achieve what you desire – the question is
what is your desire ? What is the focus in your life. I am not saying you do not
desire worldly comforts, or it is not good to aspire for high standard of
living – what I am saying is to ACCEPT
WHAT IS.

The doa Mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) ‘
barakAllaho’ does not only mean palatial bungalows, pricey cars, luxurious
living, it depending upon what is good for you – Moula knows – it may mean,
rise in the spiritual station, nearness to Moula, Ma’ad at jet speed after
death etc:

In his Book ‘ The New Earth’ Eckhart Tolle gives a good example of a
sapling to a question put forward to him.
He says the sapling does not want anything – if it withers and dies, so
be it. If it grows into a big tree – so be it. The reason is, it is one with the
Will of Allah – with the Totality of the Universe, it has completely
surrendered.

In a National Geographic documentary I was
amazed to see the animals standing in lashing rain storm with their heads
bowed, completely at ease, till heavy rains subsided.

A
lesson to be learnt from the plants and animals. Accepting WHAT IS.

I am not advocating passivity, we are here
to strive and achieve the best for ourselves and our family. But at times, we
have to become still have firm faith in the Will of Allah and our MOULA and to
be at perfect peace with ourselves, after giving our very best.

The lesson learnt is that – whatever the
present moment contains, accept it, as if you had chosen it – there in lies
your greatness.

In times of crisis of faith, remember the
words of Nabi (SA) – ‘people go with ewes and camels while you go with the
Messenger of Allah (SA)’ in our times we are in the saya of our beloved Aqa
Moula (TUS)

About Me

Being born a Saggitarius,I try to live by the dictates of my stars - that is to say, I like to clown around, avoid morons, look forward to meet interesting and charming persons. Social work is a passion and takes precedence over every thing,it gives me a 'high'without getting into trouble with the long arm of the law. In the words of K.Geetha Menon
I was born in a crack in the concrete,
Sun and rain alternated,
I became a botanist's dream.
Yet the guilllotine is awaited by me,
For the palce of my birth, was not the coveted pot !!!